Expert: Michael Curry - 1/1/2011

Question
Hi I am building a house in Campbellford On starting in spring. At the last moment we decided to not have a basement but instead have a concrete slab with in floor heat. This has thrown up a few questions.
But first regarding the general depth of sewer pipes connecting to the town sewer system how deep do my pipes have to be? Do they have to be below frost level or are they kept warm by the tempatures created in sewerage systems?
Am I allowed to lay my rough plumbing under the slab?

Thanks,
John

Answer
Hi John,

The sewer pipes will need to be below frost level, although not as deep as with a basement. The plumbing will also need to be in place before the slab is poured. You will now need a mechanical room on the main floor area and probably some forced air a/c unit.
We just finished a large home like you are planning and it actually works out to be more expensive than traditional builds. You should also consider a crawl space and wood floor with in floor heat and just a concrete top.